Work Meets Play - Why Work-Leisure is the Future of Dressing

So, we have all heard the term athleisure. It’s so commonplace that even our phone autocorrect recognises it. But as a species, we are never satisfied with good enough, which is why someone went and coined the not-so-easily-rolling-off-the-tongue term - Work-leisure. Maybe it’s the inherent idea that work and leisure never mix, not even if you are Taylor Swift – those concerts must be a whole world of headaches to organise, I imagine. Yet, the term has stuck, and may soon find traction in daily parlance.

If you think about it, Silicon Valley was possibly the first proponent of comfortable work attire. There, they allowed a person to dress however they wished, as long as they showed up and delivered on time – from junior to the boardroom. It differs from casual Fridays because dressing down for a Wall Street banker or a London advocate is still quite stiff and tidy. 

Leisure dressing, on the other hand, is the look one dons when going to do a grocery run or a yoga class. It’s what one wears and lounges about at home between work hours and before heading out for a cocktail soirée. It’s what one thinks of when imagining an evening with popcorn and a movie marathon. Now, take that dress style and superimpose it on work hours, without raising any eyebrows – without necessarily being on permanently working-from-home status…that’s work-leisure.

So are there any rules? Not really and none of that is concrete, but as long as one let's common sense prevail – dress decently and offend nobody – I think it’s pretty much in the bag. However, if you're trying to navigate comfortable work attire, a few pointers can help you get it just right.

In the post-pandemic era, there is a shift in the way the "corporate dress code" is seen. Formal attire is no longer the requirement it once was. The rise in relaxed work hours and the hybrid model of work means we’re seeing a shift in dress codes. Enter work-leisure – a seamless integration of the sharpness of workwear with the laid-back vibe of casual clothing.

My recent quest for good-quality but easy-on-the-pocket Work-leisure garments led me to XYXX - whose recent launch into the workwear arena has left me both surprised and impressed. They have quite a lineup of shackets and mobile pants that are made for work, play and beyond. They aren't just about looking stylish; they’re equally functional and transition seamlessly from work to after-hours. 

Engineered to provide comfort, breathability, and durability while maintaining a professional edge, they are also unbelievably light. Also, if you are someone who values convenience, you'll love the no-fuss details - almost no need for ironing and excellent wrinkle resistance. These garments are made to redefine what it means to be “dressed for work.”

• Muted Colours: Dressing up or dressing down for the day isn't about being loud with your colour choices. Workwear in muted tones offers a refined, versatile look that can easily transition from a casual day out to a more polished, professional setting.
• The Art of Layering: Shackets are inherently a layering piece. Hence, nailing that is very important. XYXX offers a plethora of choices when it comes to that. Their Timeless Tees and the Leisure Tees come in soothing pastels but if you want to dial it down further, go with Charcoal Grey, Graphite Grey, or Midnight Blue.
• Comfortable Yet Fitted: A common misconception about workwear is that it's supposed to be fitted and uncomfortable. That’s not true. If a garment is cut right, it can sit close to the body and yet allow for movement and breathing space. The shacketsand mobile pants do just that - fit well without any restriction. 

While rigid formal attire may not be completely obsolete, work-leisure is undoubtedly the future of corporate fashion. As we move away from the stiff corporate dress codes and towards a more flexible, balanced approach to workwear, work-leisure pieces like XYXX’s Shackets and Mobile Pants are essential. Whether you’re navigating a full day of meetings, heading out for lunch with friends, or taking some time to unwind at home, these garments offer versatility without compromising on style. So, next time you reach for your workwear, ask yourself – could this be more comfortable? Could this be more stylish? Could this take me for a drinks night with friends? Chances are, it can.